SUR Inspectors visited at the port of Nakhodka a dry cargo carrier flying the flag of convenience of Liberia

Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia visited the dry cargo carrier "History Eduard" under the flag of Liberia, berthed at the port of Nakhodka. Nikolay Sukhanov, FETO SUR Chairman, announced the outcome of the visit on Thursday, November 9. 

The vessel in question was laid down in 2007 and completed in 2013. She was purchased in 2022. 

The operator and the beneficial shipowner, which pays wages to the crew, is a "History Ship Managers Sapi" from Mexico. The crew consists of 19 Russians recruited through a St. Petersburg-based  crewing company. Among them are seafarers from Nizhny Novgorod, Kaliningrad and Sevastopol.

FETO representatives have found out that the insured coverage amount due to the seafarers working for this shipowner is USD60,000. Meanwhile, according to the requirement of the seafarers' union, it should be at least USD110,000.

The Inspectors  met with the crew in a mess-room and told the maritime fleet workers about their rights on board of vessels under the flags of convenience, after that they answered their questions. Also, FETO SUR Inspectors offered the crew to join the trade union.

“The main task of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia is to sign  collective agreement with shipping company, which would give the maritime fleet  worker the opportunity to receive good wages regularly and be insured against all emerging risks,” Nikolay Sukhanov added.

Common issues the seafarers face with on board flag-of-convenience vessels are related to disregard for basic human rights. In addition, some shipping companies opted for flags of convenience do not contribute to the Social Insurance Fund of the  Russian Federation, thereby depriving seafarers of the provided benefits.

SUR  invited the Mexican shipowner to sign a collective agreement with the union so that  Russian seafarers could protect themselves.